Large numbers of caps of the Fiery Milkcap Lactarius pyrogalus up under hazel in #Cothillfen #NNR woodlands on sandy soil. They look so innocent but taste (and spit) the milk with care, it will blow your head off with heat!

It's #soldierfly time at last! Found today in #Cothillfen a new male Flecked General Stratiomys singularior. The flower is a male Marsh Valerian Valeriana doica. Earliest date I have ever seen this sp. on the wing. #Oxfordshirefens
@uk-soldierflies.bsky.social

My best #fly this year, as it is in most yrs - one of my 'Adopted Species' I monitor and study within the Dipterists Forum, a female Clubbed General Soldierfly Stratiomys chamaeleon. Brillant wasp mimic & very rare. Here in the summer at #Cothillfen in Oxon just detained for a photo #Stratiomyidae